As lead partner in pursuit of development in conflict affected areas in Mindanao, the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) joined the recent grant contract signing between the Embassy of Japan (EOJ) and the Government of the Philippines (GPH) on Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development (J-BIRD) and Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP) programs on March 24, 2015 at the Astoria Plaza Hotel, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

BDA Chairman Dr. Saffrullah Dipatuan and executive director Mohammad S. Yacob attended the said event.

In his message, director Yacob expressed delight of becoming part of the event which he regarded in his speech as another milestone for the year 2015 in the history of peace and development in the country, especially in Mindanao.

“We are happy that together with the Embassy of Japan, under the Grassroots Assistance Program for Human Security, we signed projects that will directly benefit people at the grassroots level and contribute to the socio-economic development of Bangsamoro. Ultimately, these projects will help promote human security for the whole country,” director Yacob said.

BDA and the Embassy of Japan had a long and fruitful history of partnership beginning with the JBIRD, launched in 2006 as Japan’s commitment to assist development in war-torn areas of Mindanao, where BDA had facilitated the completion and turn-over of a significant number of infrastructure projects in Central Mindanao.

Also, Yacob expressed hope of continuous commitment and support from EOJ on its increasing roles and responsibilities given the on-going development in the peace process.

“As we march forward and take on bigger responsibilities along our new role, we hope that our partners, particularly the Embassy of Japan, will continue to support us. Finally, let me assure you, that we are fully committed to continue serving the conflict-affected areas in Mindanao, the Bangsamoro in the transition period and beyond,” director Yacob said.

The signing ceremony was hosted by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

The event underscores the implementation of the J-BIRD’s GGP projects as another milestone for the peace process as it complements the efforts of the Philippine Government in improving the socio-economic conditions of individuals affected by armed conflict in Mindanao by addressing their basic human needs.

Japan Ambassador Kazuhide Ishikawa and the beneficiaries signed seven (7) GGP Project in Conflict Affected Areas in Mindanao (CAAM) amounting to USD 645,879 or PHP 27,127,041.85. The new grant contract will form part of Japans’ commitment to assist development in war-torn areas in Mindanao.

Since the launch of J-BIRD in 2006, the Japanese Government has implemented 32 GGP projects in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao (CAAM) amounting to a total of 238 Million Yen (approximately 2.1 USD). Schools, training centres and water supply systems and others have been rehabilitated or constructed through the GGP.